Wilderness is an ecotourism operator, headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana. It operates camps and mobile safaris across seven countries: Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.[3][4] Known for its ongoing conservation work, the company is helping to conserve some 33 species on the IUCN Red List[5] and lists some 2.5 million hectares as being under protection.
| Company type | ecotourism operator |
|---|---|
| WIL (BSE)[1][2] | |
| Industry | Tourism, Conservation |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founders | Colin Bell, Chris McIntyre |
| Headquarters | , |
| Website | www |
As a destination management company, Wilderness Safaris has its own bush air charter company, Wilderness Air, as well as touring arms in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia and Wilderness Safaris Private Journeys in Cape Town, South Africa.
Through the Wilderness Wildlife Trust, Wilderness Safaris funds more than 20 conservation, community and anti-poaching projects every year, and it is also a primary sponsor of Children in the Wilderness, a non-profit organisation that facilitates sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of rural children in Africa.[6]
Wilderness was founded in Botswana in 1983 by two overland safari guides – Colin Bell and Chris McIntyre. It was the first tour operator of its kind to form a registered company in Botswana, with operations based out of Maun, south of the Okavango Delta.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ Benza, Brian (8 June 2012). "Billionaire family ups stake in Wilderness Safaris". MmegiOnline. Dikgang Publishing Company. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
- ^ "Wilderness Safaris IPO to hoist Botswana's image". Sunday Standard. 7 March 2010. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
- ^ "WILDERNESS SAFARIS' NEW CAMP IN RWANDA: MAGASHI". Hideaway Report. 8 March 2019.
- ^ Ho, Lauren. "Chikwenya Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe". The Telegraph.
- ^ Siting and design of hotels and resorts: principles and case studies for biodiversity conservation. IUCN. 2012. pp. 28–30. ISBN 978-2831714714. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
- ^ "Travel with Purpose with Wilderness Safaris – Hwange Elephant Collaring". African Travel & Tourism Association. 17 April 2019.